Frontier flies from Trenton-Mercer Airport; New local hub for aerial transportation

Whether your destination of choice is Disney World, Mardi Gras or the Super Bowl, flying there just became more convenient and less expensive. Frontier Airlines has been aggressively expanding its low-priced flights from the Trenton-Mercer Airport. The airport will also serve as their east coast hub.

The airline hopes this variety of tourist destinations will differentiate it from the 13 other Trenton-Mercer based airlines that have gone out of business since 1983.

The Trenton-Mercer Airport is a seven-minute drive from the College’s campus, located off Exit 2 on Interstate 95. The airport opened in 1929 and is one of three New Jersey airports that offers commercial flights.

Frontier is currently the only commercial airline that uses the airport following the collapse of Streamline Air in September. One of the airport’s most alluring amenities is its free 600-spot parking lot.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Frontier’s senior vice president Daniel Shurz said Frontier picked Trenton because 2.5 million people live closer to the airport than any other commercial airport.

He added that in the Northeast, “there is a relative paucity of low-cost, low-fare carrier service.”

Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes displayed enthusiasm with the expansion in his Jan. 17 State of the County address. He expressed optimism that the incoming flights will further bolster tourism dollars. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Frontier Airlines hopes to make $1.15 million in yearly revenue off of Trenton.

For the College’s students, this is an exciting development.

“Having this low-priced airline so close presents a lot of travel opportunities for college students on a budget. I am personally interested in the prospect of a Mardi Gras trip,” senior marketing major Keith Knutzen said.

To help attract new customers, Frontier Airlines is offering a series of giveaways. Residents of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware can enter at trentonsweepstakes.flyfrontier.com. One winner will be chosen weekly to receive a free roundtrip ticket for any flight out of Trenton-Mercer Airport.

The monthly prizes include roundtrip tickets to different locations and accommodations. The grand prize winner will receive round-trip tickets out of Trenton-Mercer Airport for a year.